HS2 archaeologists uncover Roman carved figure in Buckinghamshire ditch

The incredible discovery was made by experts from Infra Archaeology who came across it during their investigations into a waterlogged ditch during work on the HS2 project.

The model, which has been cut from a single piece of wood, is 67cm tall and 18cm wide and was uncovered in the field in Twyford, Buckinghamshire, in July 2021.

Archaeologist Iain Williamson has described the survival of the well-preserved wooden figure as “extremely rare”.

Roman wooden carved figure which has been discovered in a waterlogged ditch during work on the HS2 project. Credit: HS2/PA

HS2 archaeologists uncover Roman figure

The wood is thought to have survived due to the lack of oxygen in the water-logged clay which prevented the wood from rotting.

The figure is thought to be from the early Roman period almost 2,000 years ago, based on the style of the carving and the tunic-like clothing.

While it remains in impressive condition, the figure's arms below the elbows and feet have degraded.

There is also still a surprising amount of detail including its hat, hairstyle and slightly turned head.

The figure is also wearing a tunic at the front which appears to be gathered at the waist going down to just above its knees and the legs and shaping of the calf muscles are also defined.

The Roman figurine was found alongside shards of pottery that date from 43-70 AD.

The Infra Archaeology who made the discovery are employed by HS2’s contractor Fusion JV.

Mr Williamson from Fusion JV said: “The preservation of details carved into the wood, such as the hair and tunic, really start to bring the individual depicted to life.

“Not only is the survival of a wooden figure like this extremely rare for the Roman period in Britain, but it also raises new questions about this site.

“Who does the wooden figure represent, what was it used for, and why was it significant to the people living in this part of Buckinghamshire during the first century AD?”

Roman wooden carved figure which has been discovered in a waterlogged ditch during work on the HS2 project. Credit: HS2/PA

What was the Roman figure used for?

Archaeologists say that wooden carvings, like this Roman figure, might have been used as offerings to the gods but they cannot be certain.

Jim Williams, a senior science advisor for Historic England, said: “This is a truly remarkable find which brings us face to face with our past.

“The quality of the carving is exquisite and the figure is all the more exciting because organic objects from this period rarely survive.

“This discovery helps us to imagine what other wooden, plant, or animal-based art and sculpture may have been created at this time.”

What is next for the archaeologists on the HS2 project?

The HS2 archaeologists have sent a small broken fragment away for radiocarbon dating to establish a more accurate picture for the age of the wood. 

They are also continuing to carry out tests to try and find out where it came from.

Helen Wass, head of heritage at HS2 Ltd has said the archaeology programme on the first phase of the HS2 project between London and Birmingham has already given us a wealth of new information about our history.

She said: “In Buckinghamshire, our careful work has enabled us to build a much greater understanding of how the landscape was used by our ancestors, especially during the Roman period, and is brought to life further through incredible artefacts like this figure.”